days
hrs
min
sec
Get Tickets
Facebook Twitter x logo Youtube Instagram
Home > About > The Fair > Grand Marshal

Grand Marshal

Columbia Ability Alliance

Columbia Ability Alliance, formerly known as Columbia Industries, has been providing impactful programs and services for individuals with unique abilities in the Tri-Cities community for over 60 years. Our various nonprofit programs empower our clients with disabilities and life barriers to achieve personal success. Whether it’s employment training, community job placement, vocational food service training, social enrichment services, or connection to community support services via our resource center, our staff eagerly assist hundreds of individuals each year.

We proudly serve individuals facing a variety of unique barriers, including developmental and physical disabilities, individuals facing unstable housing situations, men and women reentering society after incarceration, individuals working to overcome addiction, individuals fleeing domestic violence situations, veterans experiencing PTSD and much more. Our diverse programs provide structure, support and encouragement for our clients. We recognize that the journey to independence looks different for everyone, and our team is here to meet those we serve where they are at.

We are thrilled to partner with the Benton Franklin Fair for what promises to be the "Best Week of Summer." Our clients could not be more excited to participate as Grand Marshals of the Grand Parade as we kick off a week of wonderful fair activities. And keep your eyes peeled for the Welcome Wagon while attending the fair this year; our clients will also have the opportunity to greet vendors with a smile as part of this fantastic partnership opportunity.

At Columbia Ability Alliance, we are dedicated to breaking down walls that often keep individuals with disabilities or life barriers from fully participating in all that life has to offer. By providing opportunities for employment, social inclusion, and community engagement, we ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, has a seat at the table (or on the parade float!)

Join us at the Benton Franklin Fair this summer for an unforgettable week of fun, inclusion, and celebration of all abilities!

2023 Dave Garrett
2022 John and D’Ann Ramsey
2021 Frontline Healthcare Workers
2019 Rowdy Barry
2018 Lampson International
2017 Ken Hohenberg
2016 Harvey Underwood
2015 Mike Kluse
2014 George Jones
2013 Alice Bennett
2012 Leo Bowman, Benton County Commissioner
2011 Dobie & Julie Burns
2010 Ross Family
2009 Neva Corkrum
2008 Dress Family
2007 Rich Brooks
2006 Scott Smiley
2005 Bill & Betty Kelly
2004 Bill Beck (honorary)
2003 Ed Dailey
2002 Ed Stevens
2001 Helen Lizotte
2000 Robert & Lois Andrewjeski
1999 Valoria Loveland
1998 Posse
1997 Ray Isaacson
1996 Dick Moore
1995 Jerry "Butch" Van Hollebeke
1994 Bob Woehler
1993 Bill Harrison
1992 Red Rutherford
1991
1990
1989 McGruff the Crime Dog
1988 Charlie Pease
1987 Mickey Mouse
1986
1985
1984 Ruth Simmelink & Family
1983
1982
1981 Ned Morrison
1980
1979
1978 Ronald McDonald
Back to
Top
Get Tickets